medecinedesvoyages.net
Patrick Gerome, on 06/09/2025
Prague, Czech Republic - A significant hepatitis A outbreak is currently impacting the Czech Republic, with health officials reporting 1,348 confirmed cases this year – a significant increase compared to the two deaths recorded in all of 2024. The surge marks the highest incidence of the disease seen in the country sence the late 1990s.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection, typically spread through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person, or through close personal contact. While generally mild, it can be severe and even life-threatening, particularly in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.
The outbreak is concentrated in several regions, including Prague (436 cases), Central bohemia (202 cases), and the Moravia-Silesia region (118 cases).
Czech Chief Hygienist Barbora Macková emphasized the link between the outbreak and poor hygiene practices. “This is the most important problem among young children, in socially excluded communities, but also among homeless, in accomodation and other homes,” Macková stated.She further noted that the disease is spreading among adolescents, adults engaging in risky behaviors – including drug use – and the homeless population. Macková also explained that the elevated death toll is connected to the prevalence of chronic liver disease within the affected groups, which can complicate the course of the infection.
Source: Outbreak News Today
Associated areas: Czeching
